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We promote sustainable communities and protect the health of northwestern Washington’s people and ecosystems through application of science, education, advocacy and action.

Orcas, clean energy, and more in WA's legislature: How you can speak up

The health of the environment and Washington residents depend heavily on lawmakers’ choices this year — from a dwindling southern resident orca population to devastating wildfires exacerbated by a changing climate. The Washington State Legislature convenes for a four-month session on January 14th for lawmaking and budgeting, and elected officials need to hear from you before, during, and after the session in order to take bold action.

Once you sign up here, we will alert you of opportunities to use your voice to pass key environmental measures: How to write your legislators, chances to meet with them in Olympia, and everything in between. In collaboration with theEnvironmental Priorities Coalition, we are advocating for and tracking several issues of significance to the people and ecosystems of the North Puget Sound. Learn more.

Protect Salish Sea beaches: Become a citizen scientist!

We train residents of Whatcom County to become citizen scientists and participate in beach surveys — an important role to play in protecting our marine species and habitats. No matter your level of experience, you can build your skills and help.

Volunteer groups led by marine scientists will observe sea stars, forage fish, intertidal species, and more to gather data that will help protect these species' habitats and longevity. Information collected through citizen science efforts provides a baseline of data that informs policy, restoration efforts, cleanups, and other important projects.

Citizen scientists are integral to support important work that underfunded agencies cannot do themselves.

Sorting It Out: How we're learning about trash to combat pollution

"Among the beautiful bays and public parks of Whatcom County and beyond, I find something hidden (sometimes not so hidden) that seems to reemerge every time I look. Unfortunately, that hidden something is... garbage."

RE Sources and partners, along with some intrepid volunteers, are at the forefront of testing out effective, easy-to-use methods of better understanding what types of trash are polluting which oceans and beaches, to better inform local efforts to curb plastic pollution.

Calling all K-12 science teachers!

You're invited to apply for a hands-on training series sponsored by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Join us to dive deep into the Next Generation Science Standards, providing the confidence to perform hands-on science beyond the walls of your classroom. Two tracks will be available during a 4-part series for K-5th grade and 6th-12th grade. Stipend, clock-hours and mileage reimbursement available to all participants who complete the series.

Bellingham’s waterfront: New public spaces, new hope for orcas

Did you know there are many ways our little length of shoreline in Bellingham Bay can play a key role in restoring our orca population, even though orcas are rarely seen here? To start a conversation about it, Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures and our North Sound Baykeeper, Eleanor, took eight interested paddlers out on a kayak tour of Bellingham’s waterfront to celebrate Orca Month. They launched tandem kayaks from Zuanich Park for a close-up look at seven spots along the waterfront — including some sites the public hasn’t had access to for decades. Read the North Sound Baykeeper's story here on our Clean Water Blog.

Balancing Water Supply Demands

Whatcom County depends on a reliable water supply for farms, wild salmon, healthy communities, and the outdoor lifestyle that makes this a special place to live. But plentiful water is not forever guaranteed, so we must work together to ensure enough water certainty for all, now and into the future. There’s plenty of water in the Pacific Northwest during much of the year. But only 10% of our annual rainfall occurs during the summer, when water is in greatest demand by agriculture, homes, and spawning salmon. Whatcom County is at a critical juncture in how we manage our water supply. Your input is needed to help balance the needs of all water users — including salmon. Read more.

It takes a team effort to keep Whatcom County’s water clean

In Whatcom County, we have learned the hard way that we can’t take our good fortune for granted. From the efforts to restore Bellingham’s waterfront, you know that the cost of cleanup far exceeds the cost of prevention. You also know that declining water quality in Lake Whatcom, the drinking water source for 100,000 residents, gets more and more expensive to treat – a cost ultimately borne by you and me.

To keep Whatcom County special, we need to be vigilant. We need to be careful. And we need to take action when pollution does taint our precious waters. That is RE Sources’ job, and we’ve done it for 35 years – upholding standards of respect, integrity, and always keeping an eye toward the future we are creating for our grandchildren. They deserve a future in which a prosperous community and clean water continue to coexist. Read more.

Voted best nonprofit in Bellingham

RE Sources was named the best nonprofit in 2015 by Cascadia Weekly readers in the "Best of Bellingham." The paper said "Some organizations are born great, others achieve greatness in the way they approach their mission. RE Sources is a little of both." Read more in the Cascadia Weekly's Best of Bellingham, page 14.

We think the reason for our greatness is YOU!Thank you so much for making our victories possible.

Waterkeeper Alliance member

Our North Sound Baykeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international nonprofit that strengthens and grows a global network of grassroots leaders protecting everyone’s right to clean water. The Waterkeeper Alliance is made up of over 300 organizations and affiliates protecting rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on 6 continents, with a goal of swimmable, drinkable, fishable water everywhere. Learn more.

If you see pollution, report it! Call the Pollution Hotline: (360) 220-0556.

Please take photos and be prepared to discuss location and details about the pollution.

Special thanks to our business sponsors and partners who help make our work possible: